June 9, 2026
Why We Serve
Name: Sgt. Chad Sloan #273
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Treloar, Missouri and I graduated from Warrenton High School.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I worked in landscaping and security prior to starting in law enforcement. I worked for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer and later as a Deputy after graduating from the police academy.
What academy did you go to? Eastern Missouri Police Academy.
When did you join Washington PD and why? 2002. Growing up in the area, I was always fond of Washington and the surrounding communities. I wanted to work close to home and felt raising a family in the community I serve would be a win/win. It has proven to be true.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? During my time at Warren County as a Deputy in their Patrol Division, I was also assigned to their STAR Team (SWAT) and was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Since coming to Washington PD, I started out in the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer. After a few years in patrol, I transferred to the department’s DARE/SRO Unit and was assigned to the School District of Washington as a School Resource Officer for Washington High School. As part of my assignment, I also taught DARE at several are schools. I later transferred back to patrol and was eventually promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Currently, I oversee one of four patrol squads in the department.
As part of my assignment, I’m also an instructor in the following areas: Generalist (licensed to teach standard, non-specialized topics to academy recruits and officers), Defensive Tactics, Ground Control/PPCT, Pepper Spray, Baton, Handcuffing, WRAP, and Anti-Racial Profiling. For many years, I was the supervisor in charge of our Field Training Program.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? Public service has been a part of my family for generations and I believe it’s a calling for most people who do it. My grandfather was a police officer, my father is a retired paramedic, and, proudly, our oldest son is now a police officer as well.
I’ve known since childhood that this was the career path I wanted to pursue. I’ve always been drawn to the excitement and unpredictability of the profession, but even more so to the honor that comes with serving and protecting others.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement? One thing I wish the public understood about law enforcement is how many different roles officers are expected to fill on a daily basis. Most people see policing as simply enforcing laws and making arrests, but the reality is that officers wear many different hats throughout a single shift. They are often called upon to be problem solvers, counselors, mediators, investigators, social workers, crisis negotiators, and community advocates.
The profession requires a wide range of skills beyond traditional police work. Officers must be able to de-escalate tense situations, make quick decisions under extreme pressure, communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, and adapt to constantly changing circumstances. Much of this work happens behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed by the public.
Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” commentary still rings true today. If you’ve never heard it, I encourage you to give it a listen. We have incredible professionals who put on the uniform every day and do amazing things for their communities.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. This typically brings me to a ball field or gym to watch my kids compete in sports, but I also love boating, fishing, auto racing, cooking BBQ and an occasional round of golf.
Are you married? Kids? My wife, Lauren and I have been together over 26 years, we have 4 amazing kiddos and our first grandbaby on the way.
Pets? We have two dogs, Sadie and Murphy.